In a significant move to bolster Assam’s infrastructure and economic prospects, the state cabinet has granted approval for a substantial investment of Rs 3,000 crore in a transformative 1,000-kilometer-long economic corridor project. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.
Project Details:
This ambitious project, sanctioned under the Asom Mala Scheme, has received in-principle approval from the cabinet. It is poised to have far-reaching implications for Assam’s economic development and connectivity.
Rural Infrastructure Enhancement:
In addition to the economic corridor project, the cabinet has also given the green light to projects worth Rs 950 crore aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure. These funds will be secured from NABARD as a loan. The loan will be utilized to modernize and upgrade 90 rural roads and four rural bridges under the Public Works Department, according to Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.
Cabinet Meeting Locations:
The cabinet has decided to conduct its upcoming meetings in various districts to promote equitable governance. The November and December meetings will be held in Tinsukia and North Lakhimpur districts, respectively. Subsequently, in January of the following year, the cabinet session will take place in Nagaon.
Cost Control Measures:
In a move to exercise fiscal prudence, deputy commissioners have been advised to limit expenditure for cabinet meetings to a budget of Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, the initiation of new repair works for circuit houses and inspection bungalows for this purpose has been discouraged.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Declaration:
The cabinet has granted approval for the revised draft notification concerning the declaration of an eco-sensitive zone, extending 1 kilometer around the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Tinsukia. This action aligns with a Supreme Court directive.
Judicial Guest House and Office Building:
Furthermore, the cabinet has paved the way for the allocation of land for the construction of a judicial guest house in Kaziranga, intended to accommodate state guests and visitors of the Gauhati High Court. Additionally, an extra allocation of Rs 11.91 crore has been sanctioned to expedite the completion of the new office building for the Commissioner of Taxes.
Conclusion:
This significant allocation of funds for the economic corridor and rural infrastructure projects reflects the state government’s commitment to fostering development and connectivity in Assam. These initiatives are poised to have a profound impact on the state’s socio-economic landscape.
